Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor spaces with family and friends. However, during long periods of hot, dry weather, the risk of accidental fires increase, especially when using barbecues, fire pits and other outdoor heat sources.
You must follow fire safety advice to help protect you, your home, your neighbours and your community.
Barbecue safety
Barbecues should only be used in gardens or other suitable outdoor spaces. Never use a barbecue indoors or on a balcony, even if it looks well ventilated.
Before you start cooking:
- keep the barbecue on a flat, stable surface
- keep it well away from buildings, sheds, fences, trees, shrubs, dry grass and garden waste
- have a bucket of water or sand nearby in case of an emergency
- always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions, especially when using disposable barbecues.
Once your barbecue is lit, never leave it unattended.
When you've finished cooking, allow it to cool completely before throwing it in the bin. If you're using charcoal, leave the coals to cool overnight before putting them in a bin.
Fire pits and outdoor flames
The same advice applies to fire pits and other outdoor heat sources. Always keep them a safe distance from buildings and anything that could catch fire. Never leave them burning unattended.
Help reduce the risk of fire around your home
Hot, dry weather means fires can spread much more quickly.
You can help reduce the risk by:
- keeping cardboard, furniture, timber, fuel containers and other flammable items away from buildings
- not storing flammable materials in communal areas
- making sure cigarettes and other smoking materials are fully extinguished before throwing them away.
E-scooters and e-bikes
E-scooters and e-bikes are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If these batteries are damaged, overheat, or charged incorrectly, they can cause serious fires.
Help keep your home safe:
- never charge or store e-scooters or e-bikes in communal areas, hallways or near exits
- never charge an e-scooter or e-bike battery overnight or while you're asleep
- charge batteries on a hard, flat surface and keep escape routes clear while they're charging
- stop using the battery immediately if it becomes damaged, swollen, overheats or makes unusual noises
- always use the manufacturer's charger where possible.
Disposing of batteries safely
Lithium-ion batteries should never be put in your household rubbish or recycling bin. They can ignite quickly, causing intense fires and release toxic smoke.
Instead:
- take old or damaged batteries to your local household recycling centre or a battery recycling collection point
- return the battery to the retailer or manufacturer if they offer a take-back or recycling scheme.
- Stop using or charging any battery that appears damaged or unsafe.
Check your smoke alarms
Smoke alarms provide an early warning if a fire starts.
Every home should have a working smoke alarm. Test yours regularly. If it's damaged or not working, let us know as soon as possible so we can arrange a repair or replacement.
If there's a fire
If a fire starts, leave the area immediately and call 999.
We're here to help
Your safety is our priority. By following these simple fire safety tips, you can enjoy your outdoor space safely while helping protect your home, your neighbours and your community.
